Boxer Timothy Bradley became the “third Top Rank-promoted fighter to join the burgeoning Nike boxing stable” when he signed an “exclusive, one-year shoe and apparel deal with the brand last week,” according to Bill King of the SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL. Nike will design “branded Bradley apparel, including robe, trunks and training gear, as well as the shirts his cornermen will wear" for Bradley's June 9 fight against Manny Pacquiao. Top Rank Exec VP/Business Development & Marketing Lucia McKelvey "would not discuss financials," but King notes Nike’s deals with “similar, lesser-known athletes typically are built largely around a swap of gear for exposure, with the potential for athletes to see a greater upside if they emerge as stars.” Along with wearing Nike gear, Bradley “will appear the week of the fight at Niketown, in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.” Nike also sponsors Top Rank boxers Pacquiao and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 3/26 issue). Bradley said that the deal is “almost like an audition for the company.” In California, Leighton Ginn notes if Bradley beats Pacquiao, Bradley is “excited about the prospects with Nike.” He said, “If I beat their boxing superstar, I'll be the next boxing superstar for Nike. I have to prove myself. But if I win, then I'm like, ‘What's happening? Show me the money'” (Palm Springs DESERT SUN, 3/28).
